Facts About Research in New Jersey

Why should tax dollars pay for research in New Jersey, especially if the research is controversial, such as stem cell?

Increased public funding of research benefits everyone economically, as well as scientifically. Just as local residents support community schools even when they have no children in the schools, we can support tax-based funding of research because it’s good for New Jersey’s future. We invest in roads, senior facilities, and schools, as well as programs that bring educational value and job training to individuals. It’s an important economic investment in New Jersey.

Why does it matter if research is conducted in New Jersey, as long as it’s being done somewhere in the world?

Loss of scientists from a “brain drain” to other countries that are more technologically advanced, and to other states that attract more state and federal research funding, is a serious problem in New Jersey. The research-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry is a major part of our economy. If researchers leave New Jersey, and the pool of talented researchers shrinks in our state, these companies will leave as well.

Why is it important for New Jersey to fund stem cell research this year?

New Jersey led the nation in implementing legislation using public funds for biomedical research in 2003. Last year, California passed a $3 billion stem cell funding initiative. Next year, at least nine other states will have their own referendum on their ballots. If New Jersey does not act now to take advantage of its early leadership, scientists and researchers will take advantage of opportunities in California and in other states.

Facts About Stem Cell Research

Embryonic Stem Cells Hold Tremendous Promise
The suffering of millions could end

• These cells could be the "missing link" needed to cure some of the world's most deadly diseases.
  
  
• Scientists already have shown they can direct the development of human embryonic cells into insulin-producing cells that might help cure juvenile diabetes.
  
  
• Up to 100 million Americans may benefit from this research.
  
  
• Embryonic stem cells offer more promise than adult stem cells.
  
  
• Most scientists believe and studies show that embryonic stem cells will likely be more effective in curing diseases because they can grow and differentiate into any of the body's cells and tissues and thus into different organs.
  

Excess Fertilized Eggs Are Available For Research
A majority of couples want to help save lives

• Stem cells come from excess fertilized eggs stored in freezers at in vitro fertility (IVF) clinics.
  
  
• There are tens of thousands of these fertilized eggs available for research.
  
  
• Nearly half of infertile couples say they would like to see some good come from their excess eggs.1

Public Opinion Strongly Favors Embryonic Stem Cell Research
The majority of Americans (regardless of religious or political affiliation) support embryonic stem cell research

• The American people want embryonic stem cell research to move forward.
  
  
• Members of Congress from both sides of the political aisle support the research.
  
  
• A recent national poll shows strong support for stem cell research among Bush voters, 52% strongly or somewhat support medical research using stem cells from excess fertilized eggs, and 55% agreed the current federal stem cell policy should be expanded.2
  
  
• Independent opinion surveys over the last three years consistently show strong public support for embryonic stem cell research (USA Today, Gallup, Pew Research Center, ABC News, CAMR3 , and others).
  
  
• There is surprisingly strong backing among fundamentalist Christians, Catholics and abortion opponents 4.
  
  
• Hundreds of newspapers throughout the country have editorialized in favor of the research.

Updated January 2005 -Used with permission from
The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research

1 Survey conducted by the American Infertility Association, June 2001.
2 Poll conducted by Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, November 12-14, 2004.
3 CAMR polls conducted in May 2001, April 2002, and March 2003.
4 CAMR poll conducted in May 2001.